chapter 98

The day of Austin’s funeral arrived with a somber mood hanging heavily in the air. The mansion, usually filled with laughter and life, was now shrouded in silence and grief. The siblings gathered in the living room, each lost in their own thoughts. Emily, in particular, was struggling to come to terms with the loss of her favorite brother.

Chris, Xender, Tony, and Emily dressed in black, their expressions reflecting the pain that had become a constant presence in their lives. They made their way to the funeral home where the service would be held, the weight of their loss making every step feel like a monumental effort.

As they arrived, they were met by a sea of familiar faces. Inishola, Kamsy, Amy, and Angelo were among the many who had come to pay their respects. The presence of so many friends and family provided a small measure of comfort, but it couldn’t lessen the pain of losing Austin.

The service began with a solemn procession, the casket draped in flowers and photographs of A